Six Kingdoms of Life

Objective

Unicellular life forms.
Prokaryotic cells (no nucleus, simpler structure).
Cell walls made of peptidoglycan.
Classification:
- Autotrophs: Make their own food (photosynthesis or chemosynthesis).
- Heterotrophs: Rely on other organisms for food.
- Decomposers: Break down dead organisms and organic wastes.
Commonly found in soil, water, air, and on surfaces.
Important for digestion, waste breakdown, and food products like yogurt.
Some are pathogens (e.g., streptococcus, salmonella).

Prokaryotic organisms (no nucleus).
Unicellular and simple structure.
Cell walls vary among species.
Known as extremophiles, found in extreme environments (hot springs, arctic, salty, acidic).
Classification:
- Autotrophs: Photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.
- Heterotrophs: Depend on other organisms for food.
- Decomposers: Break down dead organic matter.
Examples: Thermophiles, Halophiles, Methanogens.

Eukaryotes (cells with a nucleus).
Typically found in moist environments.
Mostly unicellular, but some like kelp are multicellular.
Some have cell walls, which vary in composition.
Classification:
- Autotrophs: Photosynthesis (e.g., algae).
- Heterotrophs: Consume other organisms (e.g., amoeba, paramecium).
- Decomposers: Break down organic matter (e.g., slime molds).
Examples: Amoeba, Paramecium, Slime Mold, Algae.

Eukaryotic cells with a nucleus.
Cell walls made of chitin.
Includes both unicellular (yeasts) and multicellular organisms (molds, mushrooms).
Do not move on their own; heterotrophs.
Decomposers: Use external digestion to absorb nutrients.
Ecologically and economically important: Nutrient cycling, drugs, food production.
Examples: Mushrooms, Molds, Yeast.

Multicellular eukaryotes.
Autotrophs: Make food through photosynthesis (chlorophyll for capturing light energy).
Cell walls made of cellulose.
Provide oxygen, food, and habitat; essential for life on Earth.
Examples: Mosses, Ferns, Flowers, Trees.